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| The mechanics for bipedalism are thought to have begun with the hominid species Australopithecus Ramidus 4.5 million years ago (Price Fiennam). By 3.5 million years ago, with the species Australopithecus Afarensis, hominids are believed to have moved about with a gait very much similar to the that of the modern human (Crompton). A study conducted by Robin Huw Compton, Li Wi Wang Weijie, Michael Gunther, and Russel Savage, published in the Jul 1998 Journal of Human Evolution, examined the mechanics of the A. Afarensis�s hip and leg construction. While the bone and projected muscle structure did not allow for a chimpanzee �bent-hip, bent knee� movement, it did allow for a modern like gait or a modified �bent-hip, bent knee� gait. However, by closely examining the tension and energy distribution on muscles as well as the force production of movement, they found that a modified �bent-hip, bent knee� gait was not only mechanically inefficient, but also resulted in a higher expenditure of energy than that of a modern-like gait. In fact, a modern like gait was indeed the most efficient means of locomotion. Thus, they concluded that A. Afarensis walked if not ran about in a similar manner to that of the modern human. |
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